
According to The DAISY Foundation, in late 1999, at the age of 33, Patrick Barnes woke up with some blood blisters in his mouth. A visit to the doctor revealed he had a dangerously low platelet count and was admitted to the hospital. The diagnosis was the auto-immune disease ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura).
During Patrick’s time in hospitalization, his family was moved by the kindness and care that each of his nurses gave to them all during that difficult time in their lives. They were so moved that they launched a foundation to recognize the extraordinary compassion shown by nurses everywhere, using the acronym DAISY, standing for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem.
The Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses will be awarded to recognize extraordinary compassion and skillful care they provide both patients and families. If you have a nurse that deserves recognition, please consider nominating them for the DAISY Award.